Market Harborough has been entered into a national competition looking for Britain’s best high street. A winning entry would see the town receive thousands of pounds for investment.

The Great British High Street Awards is now in its third year and is a nationwide initiative helping to champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.Of the nine categories available, Market Harborough has been entered into the ‘Market Town’ category which was won by Helmsley in Rydale last year. The submission statement made for the town’s entry was put together by Harborough Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Harborough Market, Sustainable Harborough and Graham Peers, tourism officer for the town.

The list of finalists will be announced in mid-October, after which the public will crown their favourite. Harborough residents and businesses are being urged to show support by using the #GBHighSt hashtag on social media alongside reasons why Market Harborough should be selected.

“We’re feeling very positive about our entry. The written submission is certainly easier when there are so many worthwhile talking points,” comments Jo Sharman from Sustainable Harborough. “But what we need now is for the town to get behind the campaign and spread the word. The #GBHighSt hashtag has to be used to be noticed by the judges. It is one of the main ways that they decide who will make the final shortlist.”

The submission entered emphasises the many positive changes that have happened to the town centre over the past 2 decades as well as the many community event that take place – including events such as last week’s Arts Fresco event. The town has an unusually high number of town centre events as well as low number of vacant shop units.

“Whilst many once great High Streets have faded away, Market Harborough has a more thriving and vibrant mixture of independent shops, bars, restaurants and quality national chains than ever before,” explains Sir Edward Garnier QC MP for Harborough who is backing the campaign. “This has been achieved in no small part by local initiatives. These range from bringing and growing lively events in the heart of town – as well as a strong entrepreneurial culture of inspired small business owners attempting to create new consumer experiences in High Street”

Market Harborough’s rebirth has been supported by a strong community spirit from shops, market traders, community organisations, individuals and the council working on separate but linked projects for the good of the town. Campaigners are now looking for the community spirit to help the town win the ‘Best Market Town’ award.

“If you are proud to live or work in Harborough you can take to Twitter to help the campaign” comments Sairah Butt, Harborough Market Manager. “Write what you like about #Harborough, perhaps with a photo of your favourite shop. However it’s important to also use #GBHighSt so that the judges will see your comment”.

“The more comments, the bigger the chance that Harborough will become one of the UK finalists in the category” she adds.